February 2011
11 posts
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“You can say, “I love you,” in Helvetica. And you can say it with...”
– Massimo Vignelli, from Helvetica
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Be a Type Detective
Start Collecting
How do you correctly identify a typeface? Type specimens are the answer. The example above is a type specimen of Miller typeface, designed by Matthew Carter.
A type specimen allows you to see the whole character set, see the typeface in a range of sizes (especially the sizes you’re referencing), and see samples of the design in use. Comprehensive type specimens are...
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Type History in 2 Volumes!
Today’s type history lecture was about an overview of typography, typographers, and the development of visual styles from the 15th Century to today.
If you are interested in learning more, I recommend Type: A Visual History of Typefaces and Graphic Styles, Volumes 1 & 2. Both books are found in the SVA library. These are great references that provide a comprehensive and detailed...
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The Vignelli Dozen
Massimo Vignelli only uses 12 typefaces, and claims that for design to work, ‘twelve typefaces is enough’. He says type is like a piano, the more you use them, the better you get at it. Vignelli is an exceptional designer, he’s also considered the ‘grandfather of modernism’. Most of his work’s beauty and simplicity can be attributed to the self-imposed type...
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Victorian Penmanship Books
Here’s an amazing resource for books on Victorian penmanship that we discussed in class. This collection has scans of original books dating to the 1800’s. I’ve never seen such a comprehensive and beautiful collection of calligraphy! This is definitely going into my favorites folder. Thanks to Anastasiya for the awesome find!
Great list of books in penmanship. The ones...
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Calling all Calling Cards
For this week, you’re bringing in a designed, printed and trimmed calling card inspired by an individual from a typographic time period.
Personally, I think one of the most beautiful typographic time periods was the victorian era in the early to mid 1800’s. I’m always impressed by the skill of calligraphers. If you look carefully, you can see that every card is hand-made,...
